World Facts and Geography

The term 'Old World' traditionally refers to Europe, Asia, and Africa - the parts of the world known to Europeans before the Age of Exploration. The Americas are considered the 'New World' as they were unknown to Europeans until after 1492.

The permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) are USA, UK, France, Russia, and China. Germany is not a permanent member, though it is a frequent temporary member.

Tasmania was known as Van Diemen's Land until 1856 (not 1853 as stated). It was named after Anthony van Diemen, the Dutch governor-general who had sponsored Abel Tasman's exploration of the region.

The Great Wall was primarily built to defend against Mongol invasions from the north. Mongolia lies directly north of China and was home to the Mongol tribes that repeatedly invaded Chinese territories. Korea and Taiwan are separated by water, while Russia was not the primary threat during the wall's construction.

Australia is nicknamed 'Down Under' because it's located in the Southern Hemisphere, 'down under' the equator relative to Europe. The term became popular in the Northern Hemisphere. New Zealand is also in the Southern Hemisphere but the nickname specifically refers to Australia.

Brazil is the odd one out because it is the only Portuguese-speaking country among the options, while Chile, Panama, and Mexico are all Spanish-speaking nations. Additionally, Brazil is the only one located entirely in the Southern Hemisphere and is geographically much larger than the others.

Rwanda is known as the 'Land of Thousand Hills' due to its mountainous terrain with numerous rolling hills across the country. South Africa, Sudan, and Afghanistan have different geographical features and nicknames.

Italy is called 'The Boot' due to its boot-shaped peninsula and 'Land of poets, sailors and saints' reflecting its rich cultural heritage. England, France, and Greece have different shapes and cultural associations.

Guyana is known as the 'Land of Many Waters' due to its extensive river systems and numerous waterfalls, including Kaieteur Falls. The name derives from an indigenous word meaning 'land of many waters.' Finland, Iceland, and Netherlands are not known by this nickname.

Indonesia is called the 'Emerald of the Equator' due to its lush tropical rainforests and position along the equator. The country's extensive green vegetation and equatorial location give it this poetic name. Brazil, Maldives, and Uganda are not known by this title.

Costa Rica is called the 'Switzerland of Central America' because it abolished its military in 1948 and has maintained long-term political neutrality, stability, and democracy. This mirrors Switzerland's neutrality in Europe. Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Panama have different historical reputations.

Barbara Mori is from Mexico. She is a Uruguayan-Mexican actress and model who starred opposite Hrithik Roshan in "Kites" (2010). The film was a cross-border romance between an Indian man and a Mexican woman, making her nationality relevant to the plot.